Exeter Public Library Mission StatementThe Exeter Public Library provides traditional library services in an atmosphere that encourages socialization, creativity and an engaged sense of community.

Exeter Public Library Service PolicyThe Exeter Public Library serves the Town of Exeter and surrounding communities. The Library serves and provides equal access to all, without question of user purpose. While borrowing privileges extend only to persons with a valid Ocean State Libraries library card, all are welcome to use the Exeter Public Library's print and online resources and attend library programs.

Exeter Public Library Circulation Policy ​WhiletheExeter Public Library is a member of the state-wide Ocean State Libraries network, the following circulation policy refers to the Exeter Public Library only. Each library sets policy at the local level. Circulation Policies at other libraries may be different.

Library Cards

The Exeter Public Library makes its circulating materials available to anyone with a valid Ocean State Libraries (formerly CLAN) library card. It is expected that library patrons present their library card when checking out materials.

A library card is available to Rhode Island residents free of charge. Proof of identity and current address is required. Patrons under age 14 must have their registration form signed by a parent or legal guardian in the presence of a staff person. Library cards will only be issued in person to the person named on the application. The first library card is issued free of charge. A lost library card will be replaced for a $1.00 fee.

As a member of the Ocean State Libraries network, a library card in good standing from the Exeter Public Library can be used at any Rhode Island public library. The Exeter Public Library accepts library cards in good standing issued from any Rhode Island public library. A card is considered in “good standing” when there are less than $5.00 owed in overdue fines and there are no overdue or lost materials checked out on the card. Library materials checked out at the Exeter Public Library may be returned to any public library in Rhode Island.

Access to MaterialsAll library materials are freely available without restriction to all library patrons. Parents are expected to monitor their child’s borrowing habits and access to materials. Library staff is not responsible for the content of materials checked out on a child’s library card. Parents with concerns that their child might select inappropriate titles should accompany their child on library visits and supervise their selections.

Limits may be set on the number of items of one particular type that may be borrowed on a library card. The library also reserves the right to limit the number of items checked out on a particular subject if the items are in high demand.

Borrowing privileges will be denied to any patron with over $5.00 in fines from any library. This is according Ocean State Libraries policy and applies to all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island.

Lost MaterialsIf a patron loses an item belonging to the library, they will be expected to reimburse the library for the full cost of that item. Arrangements may be made with the Library Director to replace an Exeter Public Library item with a like item in lieu of payment. Lost materials that have been borrowed from another library must be paid for or arrangements must be made directly with the library that owns that material.

Damaged MaterialsIf a patron damages library materials, intentionally or unintentionally, those materials should be returned directly to library staff. If an item cannot be repaired, patrons may be charged the full cost of the item. Arrangements may be made with the Library Director to replace an Exeter Public Library item with a like item in lieu of payment. Damaged materials that belong to another library will be returned to that library and the decision to charge fees will be made by the owning library.

Loan Periods and Fines

Books and Audio books

These materials may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days)

Books may be renewed 1 time, if there is not a waiting list for that item.

There is a $.10 fine per day for each day that materials are overdue

Some local history items are not available to be checked out, but are available to enjoy in the library.

Videos & DVDs

Single and double-disc movies may be checked out for 1 week (7 days)

Television Series of more than 3 discs can be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days)

Movies may be renewed 1 time if there is not a waiting list for that item.

There is a $.10 fine per day for each day that movies are overdue.

​Compact Discs

Music CDs may be checked out for 3 weeks (21 days)

CDs may be renewed 1 time if there is not a waiting list for that item

There is a $.10 fine per day for each day that the CD is overdue

Magazines

Back issues of magazines may be checked out for 1 week (7 days.) Current issues of magazines can be enjoyed in the library.

Magazines may be renewed 1 time if there is not a waiting list for that item.

There is a $.10 fine per day for each day that magazines are overdue.

Interlibrary Loan Items

Items sent from other libraries may have different loan periods, renewal policies and different overdue fines.

The staff of the Exeter Public Library and its library patrons are responsible for following the policies set by the library who owns the material.

The staff of the Exeter Public Library is not authorized to change due dates or adjust overdue fines on materials owned by other libraries.

Note on Overdue Materials

The Exeter Public Library provides each patron with a receipt listing the due date of all materials at the time of checkout.

You can check the status of your materials online with your library card by accessing the library catalog: http://catalog.oslri.net or you can call the library during business hours and a staff member will look up that information for you.

All items that are not returned inside the building before the close of business on the day they are due will be considered overdue and subject to fines.

When the library is open, it is recommended that items are brought into the library rather than placed in the outdoor book drop.

Items that are placed in the outdoor book drop may not be checked in until the next business day.

The staff of the Exeter Public Library is not authorized to waive or adjust fines accrued from other libraries or on materials that were received through Interlibrary Loan.